Indian batsmen showed great resilience on the final day to pull off a draw in the third Test against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
India had 8 wickets in hand when they came out to bat on Day 5. Despite losing skipper Ajinkya Rahane early, the visitors continued their fight as the duo of Cheteshwar Pujara (77 off 205 balls) and Rishabh Pant (97 off 118) shared a 148-run stand for the fourth wicket.
Although India lost both of them in the second session, the hopes of a draw were kept alive by Hanuma Vihari (23* off 161 balls) and Ravichandran Ashwin (39* off 128 balls). The pair lasted 258 balls before both sides decided to shake hands for a draw.
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While chasing Australia’s target of 407, India batted out 131 overs in the fourth innings to score 334 runs. On the other hand, the host bowlers managed to claim five wickets in India’s second essay.
With this result, Team India also kept the series levelled at 1-1 going into the final Test, starting January 15 at the Gabba in Brisbane.
For their immense grit and determination, Indian batsmen were hailed by the cricket fraternity on Twitter.
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